Why I Commute 3 Hours Everyday and Love It!
I lived 5 minutes away from my office. However, when my manager asked me if I’m up for commuting to a client almost 2 hours away. To my own surprise, I said… ‘Hell, yes!’
But after getting into the grind - do I regret my decision? Not one bit!
So when everyone seems to hate their commute, and wants to shorten it by every possible minute — why am I such a happy camper?
Well… here goes!
Me Time
The commute meant I can never complain about lack of ‘me time’ anymore.
Steven Covey, author of ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ states that we should take time out to renew and improve.
And so, I’ve designed my commute to be a time to relax and rejuvenate.
I do this in a number of ways:
Listen to inspiring material
Inspiration is a lubrication for my mind! It gives me the ability to think without boundaries. And inspiring material abounds on the internet.
I typically follow medium audio, or listen to inspiring songs. And there are dozens of youtube channels and podcasts waiting to be explored.
Rest
If I’ve missed on my sleep, I have absolutely no regrets in catching a snooze! By being well rested, I’m more attentive, happier, and generally more tolerable to those around me.
Wander
I’ve found that a little time for the mind to wander, is not harmful. It’s GREAT! In today’s hyper connected world, our minds need time to think, organize thoughts, come to terms with various insights and experiences, learnings etc. If you are into meditation, you may use this time for some meditation.
Practice loving kindness meditation
When I’m connected to my heart, I find I make better long term decisions. Others also enjoy my company more… and that’s not such a bad thing.
And when I just look out the window during my commute, sometimes I see an unwell animal, a poor pedestrian, or a beaten up vehicle driven by someone trying to make ends meet.
By simply wishing them well — passing on my blessings — perhaps they may benefit. And certainly, I find that I connect with my heart.
This is a basic form of loving kindness meditation. You’ll certainly find a lot more resources on the internet. For example, this loving kindness meditation provided by the Buddhist Monk, Ajahn Brahm.
Skill up
The whole world of learning is waiting for us online: Udemy, Youtube, Medium, Blinkist, Podcasts…
Thanks to my commute, I finally have time for this!
Since I get car sick looking at a digital screen, I prefer listening rather than viewing content. But hey — don’t underestimate my ears:
In one month, I have upgraded my knowledge in philosophy, writing ability, music theory, and a range of other interesting topics.
And skilling up during the commute doesn’t just have to be listening: See if you can apply your learnings too. E.g. During my commute, I finally find time to write my blog.
Since I’m interested in playing the piano, I’m considering purchasing a mini keyboard, to practice my chords!
You too can use this time to skill up on passions you couldn’t find time for.
Time for loved ones
In today’s busy world, I had resigned myself to calling friends and family only when I needed them for a favour.
Thanks to my commute, I can finally have time for those I care about.
During my commute, I have reconnected with dozens of old chums. I’ve even been able to help a few of through connections, advice or just hearing them out!
And even with family: When it came to being in touch, I’ve always been the black sheep. But not anymore!! I frequently do 5 minute check ins on my family members — and this helps them feel connected and cared for, and makes me feel like a hundred bucks!
A moving office
I often think of my commute as a ‘moving office’: if there are reminders to be sent out, meetings that can happen on the phone, etc — I schedule them into my commute and knock them out!
The distinct advantage of the commute is that nobody randomly disturbs me. And so it’s an excellent time to wrap up pending or important work.
And for those lucky buggers who can bear to see a digital screen — they can pop out the laptop or smartphone and ‘get ahead of the curve’. I’m jealous!
So there you have it. My commutes have been an opportunity for growth, and I haven’t suffered a single moment of boredom on my trips.
A simple thumb rule I follow to keep my commutes cheerful is to avoid negative experiences that burn me out.
And that means avoiding the news (sorry, rarely has the news lit up my day). It also means not proactively connecting with people whom I don’t resonate with.
Thanks to my commute, I find I am growing as an individual, my managers are thrilled that I agreed to the commute, and my clients are delighted that I’m keeping on top of work.
I’m loving my 3 hour commute!
